ETNA GREEN - If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

That's the attitude the Etna Green Town Council has taken in its effort to secure funding for water and sewer projects.

During its meeting Tuesday, the council gave the go-ahead for Tim Kelty of R.P. Murphy & Associates, Larwill, to prepare the paperwork for the next round of grants from the Indiana Department of Commerce. The town's most recent request for grant money was rejected.

The town is hoping to improve its water system and expand its sewer system, but the cost of the jobs would be too great a burden on the taxpayers if a straight loan or bond issue was undertaken. If grant money in combination with a loan is used, overall cost of the project would be less for the town.

The previous grant proposal was written by Commonwealth Engineering. In addition to using the services of R.P. Murphy & Associates (at no cost unless the grant is received), the council is seeking a second opinion on its needs from Forsight Engineering (for $3,000). Also, the town will employ H.J. Umbaugh & Associates (at a cost of $1,500) to conduct a water rate study, a criterion needed for grant application.

"We're definitely gonna go for it again," said council president Andy Cook.

The grant proposal is due in January and applications must be submitted in March. Grant awards will be announced sometime thereafter.

In other business, the council:

• Asked for clerk-treasurer Laura Baker to get costs for replacing locks at the town hall, shop and park building. Parts are difficult to locate for the locks, which are old and continue to break.

• Approved painting the bathrooms at the town hall.

• Gave permission for the purchase of a cordless saw for use in the water and electric departments. Cost of the item is $389.90.

• Agreed to spend up to $400 for new street barricades.

An end-of-year meeting is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 30. The next regular meeting is at 6 p.m. Jan. 13. Both meetings will be in the fire station meeting room. [[In-content Ad]]